Joseph “Joe” Martin Ramon, age 88, of Shepherd, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 21st, 2026. He was at home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Joe was born on March 1st, 1938 in Breckenridge, Michigan to his parents Sisto Pena Ramon Jr. and Estanislada (Julia) Martinez. He grew up in Alma, Michigan and graduated from Alma High School before joining the Navy. When he had finished serving our Country, he returned home and pursed different jobs, before he began a career with GTE Telephone Company. He eventually retired in 1993. In 1996, Joe and his wife, Mary Esther Ramon, opened J&M Produce – a convenience store, pizzeria and greenhouse business, that remains open to this day. Over the last 30 years, they have continued to run this business with the help of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Making it a true family affair.
Throughout his life, Joseph was known for personal qualities. Humor, generosity, and his great work ethic just to name a few. He enjoyed watching sports. He especially loved the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. And was a huge University of Michigan fan. Above all, Joe cherished time spent with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would light up whenever they came to visit. Joe will always be remembered for his ability to fix anything. And he loved working on his Model A cars. His family and friends will always remember him as being a man of steel. His strength and determination to never give up are two of his greatest qualities that we all hope to carry on.
Joe is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Esther Ramon; his children– Thomas (Angela) Ramon, Steven (Terri) Ramon, and James (Sally) Ramon; his grandchildren Tiffany Ramon, Ashley Dearing, Samantha Little, Jake Ramon, Jordan Ramon, Brittany Hagerman, Nick Ramon, Ally Ramon Reihl, and Kaleb Ramon. Seventeen great grandchildren. Siblings – Martin (Rose) Ramon of Michigan and Eli (Noreen) Ramon of Florida; and other close family members: Duane (Ella) Kenny, Don Kenny, Pat Kenny, and Richard (Marcy) Kenny
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Phillip Ramon, Emmanual Ramon, Sally (Vivan) Root; his in-laws Shelby and Rosie Kenny; his favorite mother-in-law Esther Kenny (The Boss) and his grandson Justin Ramon.
Visitation services will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 from 2-8pm at Saint Patrick’s Church with a vigil service at 7pm. A funeral and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at 11am at Saint Patrick’s Church.
Joseph’s legacy of kindness and compassion, dedication to family and friends, and history of service, will continue to live on through everyone whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed, always remembered and forever celebrated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
